Herbie Hancock launches International Jazz Day

Hancock sees his latest initiative as an extension of his 2010 CD, the double Grammy-winning “The Imagine Project,” a globe-trotting, genre-mixing effort that featured a United Nations of pop and world music stars from 10 countries.

“I’m really excited about International Jazz Day because so many artists from various countries and genres have a connection to jazz and will be able to honor this music that has had a profound effect on them,” Hancock said.

“I hope that this day spreads the joy of spontaneous creation that exists in this music,” he said. “My feeling is that jazz will be getting its just due.”